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By Arnold M. Lansche

[Selenium and tellurium are rare elements in the earth's crust. Their scarcity and primary dependence of supply on copper and lead output are in consonance with the relatively small quantities consumed at 1964 level. Production depending on output of copper and lead creates a supply situation- which would appear to militate against development of large-scale usage of these elements. However, supplies have adequately met. demand in the past decade and can be increased substantially if warranted by new uses for either selenium or tellurium Ores of copper and lead re the principal sources of selenium and tellurium. Byproducts from the smelting and refining of copper and lead concentrates are incorporated in refinery anode slimes from which selenium and tellurium metal are recovered.]

Jan 1, 1967

By L. C. IlsLey

Cooperation between the United States Bureau of Mines and the Safety in Mines Research Board of Great Britain, continuous since 1924, has made possible this and other papers on safety subjects. Grateful acknowledgment is made to representatives of the Board for their assistance in arranging visits to several mine safety stations, and to F. R. Wynne, Deputy Chief Inspector of Mines, for arranging visits to mines in Great Britain and other countries in Europe. During the summer of 1927 the writer had the privilege of visiting the mine safety testing stations in great Britain, Belgium, Germany, and France, in the order named. All of these countries have large coal mines, many of which are rated as gassy. Therefore, when the installation of electrical equipment is contemplated, each of these countries is confronted with the same safety problem as is the United States - the development of electrical equipment that will not ignite gassy atmospheres which through neglect or accident might surround the equipment. The means employed by these countries in safeguarding gassy mines should therefore be of general interest to safety engineers in American coal mines, and it is proposed to give a brief survey for each of the four countries mentioned. The third of these surveys covers conditions in Germany.

Jan 1, 1929

By George D. Dub

The Bureau of Mines, in connection with the investigations of war minerals it conducted, examined the graphite deposits of this country, studied the methods of mining and preparation used, and sought to devise more efficient methods for the preparation of domestic graphite, and to standardize the quality of the product. The graphite investigations covered three general phases, as follows: 1. An examination of the deposits in Alabama and other States, and a survey of the methods of mining and preparation used. In this connection methods of sampling and analysis were noted and experiments made to determine a standard method of sampling and a, rapid but accurate method of analysis. 2. Experimental work on the concentration and refining of domestic crucible graphite to improve the quality of the product and to lessen waste. 3. Experimental work in crucible manufacture to determine the properties of domestic flake and the maximum proportions that might be used without impairing the quality of the crucibles. This work was accompanied by photomicrographic study of crucible structure.

Jan 1, 1920

Combine the MSHA and OSHA versions of the HazCom Helper into one easy-to-use software tool.

Jan 6, 2007

By John D. Foulkes

An investigation is made into whether commercially available equipment can be used to engineer effective emergency warning systems for underground coal mines. Discussions with members of the Bureau and the Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration established that the preferred system should operate over the existing Pager Phone twisted pair, and broadcast an audio alarm. Applicable equipments such as voice band tone signaling equipment, alarm sounding equipment, mine telephones and complete alarm systems from over thirty manufacturers are listed. Factors affecting the range over which an alarm could be detected in representative mine situations were studied. These included (a) the subjective masking effects of typical background noise found in mines, such as that due to continuous miners (b) the attenuation of sound in mines (using both a theoretical and experimental results) and (c) the attention-getting qualities of different sound for miners. Audio alarm systems meeting the requirements can be installed and representative systems are described.

Jan 1, 1977

A maximum acceptable level of 2 mg/m3 of respirable coal mine dust in active mine workings was established, effective January 1, 1973, under the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. It is generally agreed that, as a result, coal mines in the United States are significantly less dusty than they were a decade ago. For example, operators of underground mining machines were exposed to between 3.9 and 6.5 mg/m3 of respirable coal mine dust during 1968-69; now they are exposed to between 1.3 and 1.8 mg/m3. Also, the incidence of underground sections cited for exceeding acceptable levels of respirable coal mine dust decreased during 1976-78, and the vast majority of all working sections are now in compliance. This improvement is very substantial by world standards. It must be regarded as a creditable accomplishment by the coal mine operators, federal agencies, and mine workers involved. Most of the improvement has been brought about by the use of existing technology to control, suppress, and collect respirable coal mine dust. Research and development by the Bureau of Mines has contributed significantly to the accomplishment by improving the methods for sampling, control, suppression, and collection.

Jan 1, 1980

By Eugene O. Binyon

"Belt and shaker conveyors, used singly or as combined units, have for many years been an integral part of many coal-mine haulage systems. The belt conveyor has also been used extensively as a main haulage unit in open-pit iron-ore mines of the Lake Superior district, particularly on the Mesabi Range. Few underground metal mines, however, either in the ferrous or non-ferrous branches of the mining industry, use the conveyors exclusively or even extensively for underground haulage. At present, only five iron-ore mines in the entire Lake Superior district have belt- or shaker-conveyor installations of any significant size. Of these mines, three are in the Crystal Falls-Iron River district of Michigan on the Menominee Range, one is on the Marquette Range near Ishpeming, Mich., and one is on the Mesabi Range near Keewatin, Minn.Results of the studies of tackless haulage in the Lake Superior district will not permit the establishment of any formula to prove or disprove the advantages of belt or shaker systems at all underground mines. The studies do show that trackless haulage can be used to advantage where the proper conditions exist. Advantages are particularly apparent when development can be planned sufficiently in advance of exploitation to permit installation of belts or shakers as part of the development program and where the systems are extended to include haulage in stopes as well as main entries.During the winter of 1947-48, the Bureau undertook a study of all of the underground ore conveying systems known to be in operation in the Lake Superior district for the purpose of making available to the entire mining industry the technologic data developed in the area. Because conditions that led to the installation of the belt and shaker conveying systems were often a function of the character of the deposit or the method of mining, a brief description of those conditions is included in this report.After a preliminary investigation into the extent to which trackless conveyors were employed in the district, it was found that a detailed study at five bites would result in fair appraisal of that method of haulage in the underground iron-ore mines.Each of the five significant installations is described separately in this report. In one instance, however, company policy does not permit identification of the mine wherein the conveying is done. In that instance the operation is designated as mine ""A"".Unless otherwise specified, all tonnage figures quoted herein are gross.The cooperation of officials of all of the companies operating underground mines in the Lake Superior district permitted successful completion of preliminary studies of mining practices and conveying systems.Special acknowledgment is made to R. D. Satterley, general superintendent, and to operating staffs of the Sherwood and Morris mines of the Inland Steel Co. The assistance given by W. D. Whitman, assistant superintendent, and Douglas Tippett, mine captain at the Morris mine, and P. D. Pearson, superintendent, R. O. Marsten, engineer, and W. Johnson, mine captain, at the Sherwood mine, is acknowledged."

Oct 1, 1949

By D. Harrington

Educational campaigns conducted by the manufacturers of explosives, the Bureau of Mines, mining companies, and safety organizations have contributed greatly in reducing accidents caused by explosives arid blasting. Despite these campaigns and the dissemination of information, accidents from explosives and blasting continue to be the direct cause of scores of fatalities and hundreds of nonfatal accidents annually, not only in the mineral industry but essentially wherever explosives are used. The experience of many mining companies and other users of explosives has proved that accidents from explosives can be prevented or averted by the proper training of employees in the handling and using of explosives and by the enforcement of definite rules and instructions for their use. Unfortunately, throughout the years numerous false impressions and ideas have grown up and around the use of explosives. Many of these can be traced back to the manner in which the users of explosives were originally taught, if instructed at all; and as with many types of misinformation in nearly all walks of life, those false ideas are decidedly persistent and being so cause much damage. Many if not most of the users of explosives gained their knowledge of explosives and blasting by watching others and more or less "absorbing" the procedures and thrones of the other fellow, who acted unconsciously as teacher or instructor. A study of explosives accidents reveals the results of such "teachings" when the causes of the accidents are determined, and as might be expected the results very often are far from good. One of the most persistently erroneous impressions or ideas is concerned with the burning rate of safety fuse. Many men with

Jan 1, 1944

By William N. Hale

This Bureau of Mines report gives a detailed study of water usage in the Montana mineral industries, along with projections for the future. The mineral industry of Montana in 1963 used 36.5 billion gallons of new water, and reused or recirculated an additional 53.5 billion gallons for a total water requirement or usage of 90 billion gallons. The petroleum industry was the major water user, followed by the copper and zinc industries. Many mineral industry operators provide their own water, and new water is withdrawn largely from surface sources. At present, sufficient water is available in rivers, streams, and reservoirs in Montana; however, shortages do exist locally near mineral industry operations using large quantities of water. Some is supplied from sources up to 44 miles distant. New water withdrawn by the State of Montana mineral industry is expected to increase from 36.5 billion gallons in 1963 to 51.1 billion gallons by the year 2000. The total-water requirement is expected to more than double, or reach 182 billion gallons by the year 2000.

Jan 1, 1966

By William N. Hale

This Bureau of Mines report gives a detailed study of water usage in the Montana mineral industries, along with projections for the future. The mineral industry of Montana in 1963 used 36.5 billion gallons of new water, and reused or recirculated an additional 53.5 billion gallons for a total water requirement or usage of 90 billion gallons. The petroleum industry was the major water user, followed by the copper and zinc industries. Many mineral industry operators provide their own water, and new water is withdrawn largely from surface sources. At present, sufficient water is available in rivers, streams, and reservoirs in Montana; however, shortages do exist locally near mineral industry operations using large quantities of water. Some is supplied from sources up to 44 miles distant. New water withdrawn by the State of Montana mineral industry is expected to increase from 36.5 billion gallons in 1963 to 51.1 billion gallons by the year 2000. The total-water requirement is expected to more than double, or reach 182 billion gallons by the year 2000.

Jan 1, 1966

By C. B. Manula

This report is volume 7 of an eleven-volume final report for a Grant completed by The Pennsylvania State University for the Bureau of Mines to develop a dynamic general purpose computer simulation model for underground coal mining. The simulator developed under the Grant has a wide range of possible applications in the design and evaluation of underground coal mining systems from the standpoints of health and safety, productivity, and mine environment. The Master Design Simulator consists of nine free-standing function-oriented subsystem models linked together into an integrated, comprehensive model of an entire mining system. The subsystems comprising the Master Design. Simulator include geology and reserves, methane generation, roof support, subsidence, production, rail haulage, cost, water generation," and ventilation. This volume of the final report describes the Rail Haulage subsystem of the Master Design Simulator. This subsystem can be used as a free standing model or can be linked to the Production subsystem to provide rail haulage capability. Complex rail haulage systems can be realistically simulated with this model. This report includes complete instructions for operating the subsystem as well as a program listing. In addition, a case study is included which illustrates the application of the subsystem when linked to the production subsystem.

Jan 1, 1974

By R. E. Heithecker

In Kansas, almost every oil well drilled into a limestone formation is treated with hydrochloric (muriatic) acid upon completion. This is done to increase the potential capacity of the well and thereby increase its "daily allowable" production (see p. 9 ), to shorten the time required to produce the recoverable oil, and to increase the quantity of oil recovered ultimately from the reservoir. The porosity and. permeability of limestone formations seldom are uniform throughout the proved area, consequently the production capacities of completed wells vary considerably. Acid treatment of wells tends to increase production capacity and to equalize potential capacity. If offset wells already have been treated with acid, new wells usually are treated to protect the property on which they are drilled against drainage. Even though competitive conditions do not exist in a field, it

Jan 1, 1939

A major highlight of Fiscal Year 1993 is the completion of a new research facility dedicated to the advancement of robotics research and development. This new facility brings to the U.S. Bureau of Mines one of the largest and most unique facilities of its kind in the world. Located at the Bureau's Pittsburgh Research Center, the facility consolidates under one roof, all of the resource requirements of a first class automation and robotics research program. The Mining Robotics Development Center (MRDC) is the result of a major renovation of a large under-utilized warehouse-type structure and brings together the laboratories and offices previously housed in five separate buildings scattered throughout the Pittsburgh Research Center's 238-acre site. This new facility will support the computer-assisted mining research program, a high priority, multi-million dollar program that is expected to have a high impact on the health and safety of miners and coal productivity.

Jan 1, 1993

By L. C. IlsLey

Explosives have been fired electrically for several decades. Mountains have been tunneled, deep shafts sunk, extensive coal and metal mine workings excavated and, in times of war, railroads, buildings, bridges, and fortifications have been destroyed by means of electrically fired explosives. Modern engineering depends so much on explosives that their safe and efficient handling and especially their detonation are of prime importance to all those connected with the use of explosive agents. Electric shot-firing is only one method of igniting explosives, but it is rapidly spreading and because of certain inherent safety features should be encouraged. Data collected by the Bureau of Mines indicate that in the United States a large percentage of the blasting in quarries, shafts, and tunnels, and from 15 to 25 per cent of the blasts in mining operations, are set off electrically. The Bureau of Mines is interested in electric shot-firing because of its use in mining, and especially because electric methods, when properly applied, are undoubtedly safer than other methods commonly used.

Jan 1, 1926

By R. E. Heithecker

In Kansas, almost every oil well drilled into a limestone formation is treated with hydrochloric (muriatic) acid upon completion. This is done to increase the potential capacity of the well and thereby increase its "daily allowable" production (see p. 9), to shorten the time required to produce the recoverable oil, and to increase the quantity of oil recovered ultimately from the reservoir. The porosity and. permeability of limestone formations seldom are uniform throughout the proved area, consequently the production capacities of completed wells vary considerably. Acid treatment of wells tends to increase production capacity and to equalize potential capacity. If offset wells already have been treated with acid, new wells usually are treated to protect the property on which they are drilled against drainage. Even though competitive conditions do not exist in a field, it

Jan 1, 1939

By Howard E. Parkinson

In 1969, new coal mine health and safety legislation was enacted in the United States. As a result of this legislation, the Department of Interior, Bureau of Mines has carried out communications research aimed at developing whole mine communications for increased safety and efficient operation. The research has advanced and many promising results are now being demonstrated to the mining industry. However, there remains a challenge to further improve wireless communications within the mine workings and through the overburden above the workings. The objectives for future research and development will be discussed, together with the physical and operational constraints that new mine communication systems must face.

Jan 1, 1973

This Bureau of Hines report on underground mine communications addresses methods and equipment to meet the communication requirements of working sections and places of coal and metal-nonmetal mines. A review of the status of trapped miner detection is also presented.

Jan 1, 1977

By Y. H. Cheng, D. M. Lewis, V. Castranova, M. W. Barger, J. K. H. Ma, J. Y. C. Ma, W. F. Xin

Bis-basic ethers off fluorene and fluoren-9-substituted derivatives such as tilorone have been reported to inhibit silica-induced fibrosis in rats. The potential antifibrotic potency of 2,7-bis (diethylamino) ethixy fluorine fluorenone (F-9-H.H), fluorenoxime (F-9-one), and fluorenol (F-9-ol) was F-9-axime > F-9-one ~ F-9-H,H > F-9-ol. Since the release of reactive oxygen species and growth factors from alveolar macrophages (AM) in response to silica exposure has been linked to the development of pulmonary fibrosis, the present study was carried out to determine the inhibitory effects of these compounds on rat AM activity in vitro. The following parameters were monitored: (1) cellular viability; (2) zymosan-induced respiratory burst activity (superoxide and hydrogen peroxide release, chemiluminescence, and oxygen consumption) of AM; (3) drug binding to AM; and (4) lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated interleukin- I (IL-1) release from AM. The bis-basic ethers, at 40 did not affect cell viability when incubated with AM for 30 min, but significantly inhibited zymosan-induced macrophage respiratory burst activity. The inhibitory effect of these agents was F-9-oxime > F-9-one ~F-9-H,H > F-9-ol. Binding of these drugs to AM was time and dose dependent, and exhibited the following binding affinity: F-9-oxime > F-9-one > F-9-H,H > F-9-ol. F-9- oxime was shown to inhibit LPS-stimulated IL-I release by AM in a dose-dependent manner. This inhibition of IL-1 release by AM cannot be explained as a decrease in viability. In addition, these drugs were also shown to impair human fibroblast proliferation in response to serum stimuli without impairing cell viability. These results indicate a positive correlation between drug binding to AM or other cell types and their inhibitory effects on cellular activities including oxygen consumption, superoxide release, hydrogen peroxide secretion, chemiluminescence, IL-I release, and proliferation. The ability of-these bis-basic ethers to modify AM and fibroblast functions in vitro suggests that further investigation of their reported antifibrotic potency in vivo is warranted.

Dec 1, 1996

By Bernard Lewis

This report on the research and technical studies conducted by the Explosives Branch of the Bureau of Mines covers the 2-year period July 1, 1946, to June 30, 1948. A report for the fiscal year 1947 was omitted because of the large amount of work still in an unfinished state. The material presented herein is based largely upon more comprehensive reports prepared under the authorship of members of the branch staff.

Jan 1, 1949

By John H. Johnson

White Pine Mine section designated for exhaust emissions studies. The MTU Mine Air Monitoring Laboratory was used to gather temperature and C02 concentration data at 10 locations. The data substantiate the presence of strong buoyant forces of the hot exhaust gases which result in stratification in dead end headings. Diesel mine-vehicle tailpipe emissions were monitored in the laboratory by a portable tailpipe emissions measurement apparatus (EMA) assembled for in-mine use. The results were compared with simultaneous measurements by standard laboratory exhaust monitoring instruments. These results indicate that accurate field source quality control measurements can be obtained for CO2, CO and NO but NO2 results were low for all engine conditions. Diesel pollutant concentration data from the Orchard Valley Mine were analyzed and compared with data collected earlier in the White Pine and Brushy Creek mines. Lognormal frequency distributions and CO2-based concentration ratios and correlations were calculated. In the three mines compared, pollutant concentrations were distributed similarly, and concentrations appear to be controlled to present standards.

Jan 1, 1979